As someone who has experienced anxiety since the ripe age of seven years old, I know a thing or two about coping with anxiety. Among the group, odds are, I will be the one with an "anxiety-bag" packed and ready for anyone who needs to pluck a soothing item from it. The contents of my bags have changed over the years, but they all consist of similar items.
The truth of the matter is that your bag will look different because what you find comforting may be different from what I find comforting, and that is just the way of life. Authenticity is key, however, for the sake of me being me, I will provide a list of things that I keep on hand, in hopes that it helps you connect the dots to what soothes you.
I’m going to break it down into sections:
Section 1: Scents/Essential oils -
-Lavender
-Anxiety blend
-Sweet orange
-Chamomile
-Lemon balm
-Doterra beadlets
Section 2: Teas/Tinctures
-Chamomile
-Valerian
-Passion flower
-Lemon balm
-Skullcap
Section 3: Verses/Breathing exercises
-Index cards with verses for anxiety
-Breath prayer cards
-Index card w/ a breathing exercise on it
Section 4: Various Comfort Items
-My favorite lip balm
-Water bottle
-Hair ties
-Pens & notebook
-Chocolate or sour candy
Things that stimulate or distract your brain help SO much! Anxiety is mental, so anything you can do to detach your thoughts from the anxious train is great! You can also play a sensory game like “I spy.” And if you’re ever in a situation where your anxiety bag is not on hand, try to find a plant (a non-poisonous one please) and touch it, smell it, roll it around in your hands, study the lines and textures. Nature is our gift from God and it has SO MUCH purpose. So lean into that gift ;)
XO, Sophie <3
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